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What are my EV charging options?

If you’d like to make the switch to an EV, you’ll need to think about how it will be powered.

Unlike having to make a trip to the garage to get your petrol or diesel vehicle filled up, driving an EV means you might be able to charge up at home, work, as well as at public charging points.

With the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) and Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) giving financial support to businesses and residents for charging point installation, plus the government’s proposal that all new-build homes are fitted with electric charging points as standard, the sight of people charging their EV at home or work will become more and more common.

Getting it right

As the electric vehicle market grows, so too will the number of energy providers that are able to power your EV. However, while driving an EV is better for the planet because they don’t emit the emissions that petrol or diesel vehicles do, it’s important to also make sure the energy that’s used to power it is from a green source, such as the 100% renewable energy provided by Good Energy.

Although comparatively cheap compared to fuel (a 200 mile charge can cost under £2!), finding the right provider and tariff for your vehicle, your usage and lifestyle can require a lot of research. Thankfully, Rightcharge, one of our amazing partners, can do the work for you through its first-of-a-kind comparison service for charge points and EV-friendly home energy tariffs.

In addition, Elmtronics, the largest electric vehicle installer of charging points in the UK, can advise residents and businesses on charging stations for the home and workplace, having already provided solutions to local councils and NHS Trusts.

But what if I don’t have the space?

With 40% of the UK’s population living in flats, terraced houses or rented accommodation, some people are understandably put off making the switch to an EV because their home environment just doesn’t have the space for a charging point.

The image above shows that the majority of people prefer to charge their EV at their “base” and in the UK someone with the ability to charge at home is around four times more likely to own an EV.

The good news is that things are changing and there are now a growing number of charging options to suit different home environments and lifestyles. Co Charger - one of our partners - has developed the first community charging application that empowers individuals and businesses with EV chargers to rent them to nearby residents. This makes it much easier for people that might not have access to a charging point at home or work or get access to the power supply they need to drive an EV.

You can also find plenty of public EV chargers near you through companies like EVC.

Be the business

Finally, if you're a business and considering changing your fleet to electric vehicles and installing the necessary infrastructure, you might need support from experts who can advise on the best way to do this.

ALD Automotive is a global leader in fleet management and can guide you on your business’s journey towards net zero, helping to give you the data and insight you need for a smooth transition.

Action Net Zero is also working with TLT LLP, who are able to provide specialist legal advice on clean energy projects and infrastructure to help businesses navigate their way towards a sustainable and net zero future.

What are my EV charging options?

If you’d like to make the switch to an EV, you’ll need to think about how it will be powered.

Getting it right

But what if I don’t have the space?

Be the business

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